When you decide to ditch your regular wired headphones in favour of Bluetooth earphones, you have two choices. These are either genuinely wireless earphones or wireless neckbands. But which is the most appropriate for you? If you’re still puzzled, this post compares wireless earphones and neckbands.
I’ve attempted to differentiate between neckbands and really wireless earbuds. Design, sound quality, portability, and affordability are the criteria I used. This 3-minute guide will assist you in selecting the finest Bluetooth headset for your needs, preferences, and budget.
What Should You Know About Wireless Earphones (TWS) ?
They’re also known as “truly wireless earphones.” This is due to the fact that they are completely wire-free, with no connection between your phone/laptop and the earphones.
Due to the lack of cables, each earbuds are fully distinct and independent of one another. As a result, you may get rid of those tangled wires and eliminate the risk of them twisting
True wireless earphones have modest batteries (about 40 mAh apiece). You also get a charging case with another battery in addition to the earphones (up to 2500 mAh). After you keep your wireless earphones inside this power case, they will charge themselves.
These Bluetooth earbuds transmit music from your smartphone or laptop over Bluetooth. On either side of each earbud are sophisticated touch controls for controlling music, calls, and voice assistants.
a lovely lady in a blue top listening to music using Blaupunkt BTW50 headphones
Each earbud should be between 4 and 6 grammes in weight (depending on the brand). As a result, they give you more portability and mobility. With earphones on, you can move around a lot, and if they’re waterproof (as they usually are), you can listen to music at the gym as well.
Pros and Cons of Wireless Earbuds
Pros:
- There are no wires in this lifestyle.
- Water-resistant
- Excellent battery life
- Due to the lightweight design, your ears will never feel burdened.
- Ideal for sports
Cons:
- Expensive
- Reduced driver size
- What about some neckbands?
- Neckband wireless earphones include metal (or plastic) clips that attach around your neck and earbuds that go in your ears. Neckbands employ the same Bluetooth technology as wireless earbuds.
What about Neckband?
Between the neckband and your smartphone, there are no wires. Both earbuds, on the other hand, are wired to the neckband. So, while they claim to provide you with a wireless lifestyle, it isn’t entirely wireless.
Magnets are now included in the earphones of the neckband to prevent tangling and twisting. When not in use, the earphones’ magnetic shell allows them to hang attractively around your neck.
The earphones have no batteries, but the neckband has a battery (150-200 mAh) that provides power. The neckband earbuds can be charged using a USB or Type-C connection.
Neckbands usually have inline button controls that allow you to control music, calls, and assistants. The neckband has these buttons on it. You can move or even run while wearing a neckband because the headset is fastened around your neck and has very little possibility of breaking apart.
Pros and Cons of Neckbands
Pros:
- Enhanced audio quality
- Water-resistant
- There’s no way you’ll fall apart while running Pocket friendly
- Losing weight is difficult.
Cons:
- Not completely wireless
- Constant charging is required.
- What Is the Difference Between Neckbands and Wireless Earbuds?
- Design
True wireless earbuds appear to be the frontrunner in terms of design, owing to their portability. You can go wherever you want while wearing them. Most earbuds are now IP rated waterproof, meaning they are resistant to sweat and water splashes, making them ideal for gym and sports use.
Neckbands are also waterproof, however the thin wires around your neck make it difficult to undertake vigorous exercises. TWS earbuds are easily misplaced due to their portability, which is not the case with neckbands.
True wireless earphones are clearly superior to neckbands in terms of versatility. If you’re worried about losing your earbuds, opt for a wireless neckband instead.
Audio Quality
The sound quality is the second most significant consideration when selecting a Bluetooth earphone. Sound quality would be better with a larger driver. Because of their bigger driver size, neckbands outperform wireless earbuds in this category.
The driver size with wireless neckbands is around 13mm, which is ideal for immersive listening with good bass. With an embedded microphone, hands-free calling is a fantastic experience. Noise cancelling is also available from a select brands.
TWS earbuds, on the other hand, have a 6mm driver (on average), which provides acceptable but not exceptional sound quality. The bass is of decent quality. To be heard on a call, you may need to speak a little louder.
Neckbands vs. Earbuds | Battery
I have conflicting feelings about this. Neckband headsets include a single built-in battery with a 150-200 mAh capacity. Each charging cycle lasts roughly 10-12 hours. A select number of boAt earphones now provide much more. After that, you must connect the neckband to the charging socket.
Wireless earphones, on the other hand, include cells in addition to the attractive charging pouch. This case can hold a battery with a capacity of up to 2500 mAh. The earbuds last roughly 4-6 hours on a full charge, and if you include the charging case, the total duration could be up to a week.
The problem is that after you’ve exhausted the neckband, you’ll require electricity right away; there’s no other option. True wireless earbuds, on the other hand, can be left in the case for up to 20 minutes before returning to the music. (Due to the case’s function as a power source).
Pricing | Low-cost earbuds or neckbands?
After providing so much value, it’s understandable that fully wireless earphones would be more expensive than neckbands. They are available in India for as little as Rs. 1000 and as much as Rs. 5000. To buy a nice set of wireless earphones, you’ll need a reasonable amount (say, Rs. 2000).
Neckbands, on the other hand, are inexpensive; you can acquire one for as little as Rs. 700. The majority of them are priced at Rs. 1500. They provide superior value for money in terms of sound quality and design.
FAQs
Is buying genuine wireless earbuds worthwhile?
Yes, I use truly wireless earphones because they provide superior comfort, battery life, and versatility. However, only pursue them if you have the financial means.
Are headphones with a neckband good?
Neckbands are beneficial because of their superior sound quality, bass, and call quality. Furthermore, they do not deplete your bank account or monthly budget in any way.
Are earbuds preferable than neckbands?
In terms of design, portability, and battery life, wireless earphones outperform neckbands. They are not, however, in terms of sound quality or cost. We’ve already gone over everything in depth.
More About Audio & Sound
Conclusion
We’ve now completed our comparison of neckbands and wireless earbuds. Both are great ways to get started with your wireless lifestyle at a low price. While TWS provides excellent portability, neckbands are a cost-effective device.
The ball is now in your possession. You should know whether a wireless neckband or Bluetooth earbuds would be best for you. Choose the best option for your needs, lifestyle, and budget, and leave the rest!
